Carton securing means and method of using same



R. C. POTTS March 1, 1949.

CARTON SECURING MEANS AND METHOD OF USING SAME 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 26, 1944 I06 awe/3:1 Roy C. P0tts Fig.1?

March 1, 1949. Q -r5 2,463,306

CARTON SECURING MEANS AND METHOD OF USING SAME Filed April 26, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig. 1 2

fksoz /ew Fig 1 5 e30 626 11 628 62! V X (K 1\\. f

- eas V l I\\\\\ \1 mm March 1, 1949. -r 2,463,306

CARTON SECURING MEANS AND METHOD OF USING SAME Filed April 26, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Fig. 19

Roy C. Potts Elbtomwq R. C. POTTS March 1', 1949.

CARTON SECURING MEANS AND METHOD OF USING SAME 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 26, 1944 Roy C. Potts March 1, 1949. -r 2,463,306

CARTON SECURING MEANS AND METHOD OF USING SAME Filed April 26, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 R0 C. Potts Fat-outed Mar. 1, 1949 CARTON snooanvo MEANS AND METHOD or nsmo SAME Roy 0. Potts, Takoma Park, Md. Application Abril 26, 1944 Serial N0. 532,815

1 It is an object of this invention to provide a structure wherein a carton of the ordinary slotted type or other type may be closed in a manner which has maximum strength, but may nevertheless be opened without damage to the carton.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a closing means for packages of the types described which is reuseable indefinitely.

It is a further object of this invention to pro- 9 Claims. Q1. 229-52) vide a closing means which may be sealed, not

only in a tamper-proof manner, but in such manner as to resist-all effects of humidity.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a fastener for use as aforesaid which fastener is fully preformed and which is removable and reuseable.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a fastener as aforesaid with a guiding and shielding means which greatly facilitates application and removal of the fastener and at the same time protects the carton against damage incident to the application, removal and use of the fastener.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a combination of two fasteners, as aforesaid, with a handle means connecting the two fasteners, which handle means is capable of being sealed virtually in the plane of the board or boards to which the fasteners are applied.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a solid fiber or other high strength member to improve the results obtained with this fastener when used with corrugated board.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a method of closing boxes or cartons involving the use of my improved fastener.

The above and other objects will be made clear from the following description taken in connection with the annexed drawings in which:

Fig. i is a perspective view of one form of my improved fastener;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the fastener of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2A is a view, similar to Fig. 2, of a slightly modified form of the invention;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative form of the fastener of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the fastener of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a fastener embracing some of the principles of the forms of Figs. 1 and 3, but primarily adapted to resist shear and not tension stresses;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the 2 combination of two fasteners of the 1 with a handle member;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of a blank from which a device designed to cooperate with the fasteners type of Fig. I

of Figs. 1, 3 and 5 may be formed;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the device formed from the blank of Fig. 7, ready-for application to the work;

Fig. 9 is a section on the line 99 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a section on the line Ill-40 of Fig. 8; Fig. 11 is a section showing the device of Fi 8 applied to the work and engaging a fastener ofthe type shown in either of Figs. 1 or 3;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a modification of the structure of Fig. 8, limited to the shielding function;

Fig. 13 is a sectional view illustrating the application of the form of Fig. 12;

Fig. 1% is a perspective view showing a modification 0f the form of Fig. 8 adapted to perform only a guiding function;

Fig. 15 is a section showing the application of the form of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a section similar to'Fig. 15, but illustrating a modification of that form;

Fig. 17 is a section showing the use of the fastener of Fig. 5 to resist shear alone;

Fig. .18 is a section showing the use of the fastener of Fig. 5 in a special location in which it will resistnot only shear, but tension;

Fig. 19 is a plan view of a blank from which a carton especially adapted for use with my improved fastener may be formed;

Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing the carton formed from the blank of Fig. 19, withthe combination handle and fastener of Fig. 6 applied to the top side thereof;

Fig. 21 is a plan view of a special form of tape for use with the carton shown in Fig. 20;

Figs. 22, 23, and 24 are plan views of blanks for forming a different type of container;

Fig. 25 is a perspective view of a double-walled container formed from the blanks of Figs. 22, 23 and 24 and showing the application of my fastener thereto;

Fig. 26 is a section through the front wall of the container of Fig. 25, showing a special form of treatment for the fastener-receiving perforations;

Fig. 27 is a perspective View, partly in section, showing the use of a special adapter member in connection with a slotted type carton;

Fig. 28 is a partial, perspective view of the adapter member per se;

Fig. 29 is a section taken at right angles to the 3 section of Fig. 2'1, but showing the adapter member in reverse position;

Fig. 30 is a perspective view, partially in section, showing a modified form of the adapter;

Fig. 31 is a partial, perspective view of the adapter per se; and

- Fig. 32 is a section taken at right angles to the section line in Fig. 30.

As used herein, the term fully preformed fastener" means a-fastener in which the strains incident to its application to and removal from the work will not distort the material from which it is made beyond the elastic limit of such material. Usually the material will be ordinary wire, but the invention contemplates special alloys for special purposes and even the use of certain plastics and other material suitable for the purpose.

Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2, I show a fastener having a pair of legs 22 adapted to lie in the plane of the innermost free surface of a plurality of superimposed boards. Each of the legs 22 has a fastener element 24 projecting upwardly therefrom and approximately at right angles thereto. The elements 24 are joined by a body portion 28 at the center of which is a loop 30. The loop 30 is shown as triangular, but may be given any desired shape. As best shown in Fig. 2 the loop 30 is tilted relative to the plane of the legs 22 so that its extremity 32 is spaced from the plane of the legs 22 by a distance less than the length of the elements 24. If desired, the inner extremities 84 of the loop 30 may be joined by a spot weld 34 or they may be crossed over each other by a half turn of the loop 30.

Referring now to Figs. 3 and 4 I show a single leg having a single fastener element 42 at one end thereof and extending at right angles thereto. At its upper end the fastener element 42 has a strut 42' projecting therefrom and substantially parallel to the plane of the leg 40. The stock from which the device is formed is then bent into a full circle substantially centering on the element 42. A portion of this circle 44 overlies the leg'4ll, and, as shown in Fig. 4 lies in a plane tilted toward the plane of the leg 40. Obviously the principle of the device would be unchanged regardless of the geometric form given the parts 42' and 44. I prefer the circle shown for simplicity of manufacture.

In the forms of both Figs. 1 and 3, and for certain purposes which will hereinafter be more fully described, I may bend the legs part way of their length, as shown in dotted outline at 22' in Fig. 2A Such bending is most convenient from the standpoint of manufacture, but a mild curvature in the same general direction, and occupy- I ing the full length of the legs would be equally satisfactory.

Referring now to Fig. 5, I show a device comprising a, pair of legs 50, each having at one end thereof a fastener element 62 extending upwardly from the legs 50 and substantially at right angles thereto. The elements 52 are joined by a straight body portion 54 and have a. length approximating the thickness of the superimposed boards which are to be secured.

In Fig. 17, boards 56 are superimposed and have registering perforations 58. Through these the legs 50 are passed and lie in the plane of one free surface of the superimposed boards. The elements 52 lie within 'the perforations 58 and the body portion 54 lies in the plane of the opposite free surface. The boards 56 are thereby effectively prevented from sliding one upon the other, that is, the device effectively resists shear.

In Fig 18, renew the device of Fig. 5 applied in such relationship as to resist both shear and tension. Here, boards 60 are superimposed and have registering perforations 62. The legs 60 have been passed through the perforations 62 and lie on the upper free surface of the boards. 60. The element 52 lies within the perforations 62 and the body portion 54 lies in the plane of the lowermost free surface of the board 60. This structure occurs in the bottom of a slotted carton of the type illustrated in Figs. 19 and 20. A supplementary board'64 overlies the bottom of the carton and the weight of the contents, as indicated by the arrows A, presses the board 64 against the legs 60, clamping the legs between boards 64 and 60. Closure flaps of the type illustrated in Figs. 19 and 20 would, under load A, tend both to slide one upon the other and to separate in a direction normal to their contacting surfaces. This resistance of this fastening to a sliding tendency has already been described. Any tendency to eparate will tend to tilt the legs 50 out of their natural plane, but this tendency, in Fig. 18, is resisted by the weight of the contents pressing upon the board 64.

It will be noted, in an examination of Fig. 18, that the leg 50 is indented into the board 64 by an amount equal to pproximately half the thickness of the leg 56. The precise amount of indentation will depend on the nature of the board, and its thickness. In the case of corrugated board, it is quite easy to indent to almost the as to weaken the whole structure, producing lines of failure. The indentation to which I here refer is from one side only, unaccompanied by marking on the opposite side. Indenting which penetrates the board so that there is formed a female impression on one side and a. complementary male impression on the other amounts to "scoring which is familiar practice and establishes a line of folding or bending without substantial weakening of the board itself. Such scoring is a mere displacement of the fibers, without decreasing the cross-section of the board.

The indentation to accommodate the fastener parts may occur in only one external surface of the superimposed boards, for example, in the free surface of either of the boards 60 in Fig. 18, or in both freesurfaces, or, it might occur both in board 64 and the adjacent free surface of the adjoining board 60. In a structure such as that of Fig. 11, the outer surface of the flap l5 may be indented in the pattern of body portion 20 y and loop 30 of Fig. 1, or that of members 42 and 44 of Fig. 2. Still referring to Fig. 11,, if the combined shielding and guiding member I 00 be eliminated, the flap l3 (or any equivalent board)' may be indented in the pattern of the leg or legs 22. Such a'construction will be especially useful in bottom formations which do not require as frequent application and removal of the fasteners since it may make possible the elimination of the shielding and guiding members I00 with a consequent saving in overall cost. In packing such commodities as eggs, a, bottom board such as 64 (Fig. 18) will almost always be used to provide a uniform bottom surface and als'o'to provide an extra padding quality. In such case, indentation of the meeting surface of the board 64 and the upper surface of the inner board 60 will perform all of the guiding functions of the member I00 and will be sufficient even though the box of which'these members forms. part is used for several trips.

Referring now to Fig. 6, I show a combination of two devices of the type of Figs. 1 and 2, connected by a handle-forming strap. Each of the devices comprises legs 10, corresponding to legs 2-2, Figs. 1 and 2. Each leg has a fastener element 14, identical with the fastener elements 24, Figs. 1 and 2. The element 14 of each pair of legs is connected by a body portion 18 corresponding to the body portion 28, Figs. 1 and 2. Each body portion 18 has a loop 80 corresponding to the loop 30, Figs. 1 and 2. A strap 90 has loops 92 formed at each end thereof by bending the material of the strap 90 upon itself and either riveting or spot-welding the end of the strap to its body, as indicated at 94. The loops 92 are sufficiently elongated so that the strap 90 may be flattened upon the upper surface of the boards to which the device is applied, or it may be drawn up, as shown in dotted outline to form a hand-grip.

The legs 10 may be bent upwardly part way of their length. his bending corresponds to the dotted outline 22' of Fig. 2.

The principle of operation is the same as to each of the forms of Figs. 1, 3 and 5. Superimposed boards to be secured are provided with pairs of registering perforations to receive the devices of Figs. 1 and 5, or with a single registering perforation for the device of Fig. 3. The legs are inserted through-the perforations and the fastener elements rest within the perforations. The respective body portions overlie the opposite free surface of the superimposed boads. Due to the tilting of the body portion particularly illustrated in Fig. 2, there results a clamping action which will be intensified by any tendency of the boards to separate in a direction normal to their abutting surfaces. If secure holding power were the sole essential element, these devices would be complete upon mere insertion, as described. Where, however, re-use is desired, the life of the container is greatly extended and the ease of insertion and removal greatly increased by the use ca complementary device illustrated in Figs. 7

rough 11, inclusive.

In Fig. 7, I show a sheet metal blank 500 having pointed tongues W2 formed at one'free a blunt central tongue formed at the other free end, and pointed tongues i @E defined by slots but lying in the plane of the blank i110.

Fig. 8 shows the device completely formed and ready for application. It has a lower portion W3 drawn into the form of a trough. A blank ltd has been folded along the base line of the tongues H36 to superimpose an upper portion H0 upon the lower portion Hi8. Tongues i192 and its have been bent so as to be mutually parallel and substantially at right angles to the plane of the portion 3 as has the blunt tongue H84.

in Fig. 11, I show in section upper closure flap l 5 and lower closure flap E3. The relationship of these flaps will be apparent from Figs. 19 and 20. The complementary device just described has been attached to flap i3 by forcing the prongs or tongues I82 and W5 through the material of the flap is for clinching them in the manner of staples. The tongue ltd enters registering perforation I20 in the flap l3 and its extremity I04 has been folded upon and embedded in the upper abutting surface of the flap i3. The fastener of Figs. 1 and 2 has been inserted. In the insertion of this fastener the tongue I 04 prevents any gouging of the wall of the perforation I20 in flap l3, and the trough I08 guides the end of the leg 22 into final position. The member H0 overlies the leg and is interposed between the leg and the free surface of the flap II. In this position it shields the material of flap I3 from any gouging incident either to the insertion or removal of the fastener.

upstanding sharpened prongs 603 at the other end. In Fig. 18 I show an outer board 604 and an inner board 505. A perforation 606 in the outer board 604 registers with a perforation 601 in the inner board 605.. The member 600 is secured to the inner face of the inner board 605 with the prongs 603 penetratlngand clinched into the board 605. The tongue 602 passes through the perforation 601 and is clinchedintolthe outer surface 605' of the inner board 605. A fastener 60!.

similar to the form of Figs. 1 and 3 passes through the perforations B05 and 601 and has its body portion 609 pressed against the outer surface of the outer board 604 and its legs 6l0 pressed against the body GM of the member 600. It is, of course, clear that the fasteners of either Figs. 5 or 6 could equally well be utilized. The prong 602 acts in part as a guiding means for the leg BIO but discharges a very real shielding function in reventing tearing of the edge of the perforation 601. This is particularly important if the board 695 is of corrugated construction rather than solid fiber.

Referring now to Fig. 14, I show a guiding de-' vice 620 having upstanding prongs B'M at one end and similar prongs 622 at the other end. Between the prongs is a body portion 623 which is bent to form a trough 624. In Fig. 15 I --3showv an inner board 625 and an outer board 826: The inner board 625 has a perforation 621 and the outer board 626has a perforation 628 registering with the perforation $21. The member 620 is secured to the inner surface of the board 625 with the prongs t2l and 622 clinched into the material of the board 625. A fastener $30 of the type illustrated in either of Figs. 1, 3 or 5 is inserted through the perforations t2! and 828 and has its leg 63] guided by the trough $24 of the member 620.

Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 15 showing a member 62!) which is somewhat modified from the structure of the member $20. In this case the inner board 525' and an outer board 626' respectively have perforations 62"! and 628' in registry. The body portion 623' of the membertZfl instead of having a trough such as 624 of member 520 is perfectly fiat while the inner surface of the inner board 825' is indented at 640 to accommodate the leg 64! of a fastener 642 similar to the fastener 63!! shown in Fig. 15;

In forming the perforations through which the fasteners pass, it would usually be desirable to indent the outer surface of the carton with the outline of the fastener, so that the body portion will project as little as possible out of the plane of the top or bottom of the carton. This is an obvious advantage for stacking, sealing and handling the packages and adds nothing at all to the cost incident to forming the perforations.

The most widely used type of shipping container is the ordinary slotted carton, illustrated in Figs. 19 and 20, in which a single blank has four wall-forming panels with a relatively narrow closure panel at the edge of one wall panel. Each wall panel has a closure flap at each end and, when the carton is erected, it is usually propor- 7. tioned so as to bring the closure flaps of opposite walls into substantially abutting relation when they are folded to closing position.

The flaps are held in closed position by any.

of several conventional means. The simplest and also the weakest is merely to run a strip of gummed tape across the line of division between the outermost flaps and carry the tape somewhat down over the vertical walls. This, however, is not a particularly strong closure, especially under conditions of high humidity. Such conditions tend to destroy the strength of the tape. Where greater strength is desired, silicate or other adhesive is inserted betwen the lowermost and uppermost pairs of flaps. When still more strength is required, theoutermost of the four flaps are proportioned so as to be completely superimposed rather than merely to abut. It is then possible to insert the anvil of a stitching machine under the superimposed flaps and thus to eifect any desired amount of stitching through the two flaps.

Cartons closed by tape only are capable of reuse, since there is no occasion to destroy any of the closure flaps in the course of opening the carton, and the nature of the construction is such that, when both ends are opened, the carton may be collapsed. It is, however, virtually impossible to open a carton in which the fiaps have been adhered without such damage as to prohibit re-use of the carton. The same is obviously-true of the stitched closure which sufiers from the further defect of adding 50 per cent or more to the amount of board which must be consumed in manufacturing a package.

I have devised a package which, with only very slight modification of the structure of the conventional slotted carton, may be closed with a closure comparable in strength to that of the stitched closure but in which securing means of the types heretofore described are readily removable to permit collapse, return and re-use of the carton.

Referring now to Figs. 19 and 20, I show a blank compriisng wall forming panels I0, I2, I4 and I6. A corner flap I8 adjoins the wall forming panel I0. The corner fiap may be omitted if cloth tape is used to close the corner. The wall forming panels are placed in rectangular relationship and the fiap I8 is joined to the panel I6 by adhesive, stitching or other suitable means. The wall forming panel I has a top closure flap II and a bottom closure flap II. The panel I2 has a top closure flap I3 and a bottom closure fiap I3. The panel I4 has a top closure flap I5 and a bottom closure flap I5 while the panel I6 has a top closure flap I1 and a bottom closure flap I'I'.- The top and bottom'closure flaps are separated by slots in order to provide the necessary clearance when the ilaps are folded in-, wardly into the plane of the top and bottom respectively.

It is to be noted that perforations I20 are formed in the top closure flaps II- and I5 while perforations I20 are formed in flaps I3 and I1. When the carton is formed, as in Fig. 15, closure flaps I3 and I1 are folded inwardly so that their free edges approximately meet, and flaps II and I5 are superimposed upon them. The perforations I20 and I20 are so located that one of the perforations I20 in flap I3 underlies and registers with one perforation I20 in fiap II, while the other perforation I20 in flap I3 underlies and registers with one perforation I20 in flap I5. The same is true of the perforations I20 in flap II. This provides two pairs of perforations, each pair adapted to receive a fastener of the type of Fig. 1 or Fig. 6. g Each of the bottom flaps II, I3, I6 and II has four perforations so located as to provide, when the flaps are in closing position, four pairs of perforations, each pair being adapted to receive a fastener. In the bottom flaps, where four pairs of perforations are desired, the outermost flaps II and I1 each have four perforations arranged in alignment near the free edges of those flaps. The flaps I3 and I5, which will underlie the flaps II' and II have four perforations arranged in the form of a square. When the flaps I3 and I1 are folded to closing position, two lines'of four perforations each will be formed. One of such lines of perforations will underlie the perforations of flap II and the other will underlie the perforations of flap I5. Obviously, depending on the size and proportion of the box, any number of pairs may be provided.

As previously noted, the ordinary gummed'tape closure of the slotted carton is unsatisfactory ing adhesive extending across the top of the box,

while the areas I24 form continuations of such path down over the walls I2 and I6. A strip of tape I30 (Fig. 21) is similarly coated with selfsealing adhesive and is engaged by pressing it upon the areas I22 and I24. By self-sealing adhesive is meant a mixture of the type which,

when applied to a surface,. will adhere only to another surface similarly coated. Such adhesives are uniformlywater-resistant and, therefore, impervious to high humidity. Such a tape may be applied both at the top, and bottom of the carton and should overlie the body portions of the fasteners used in securing the closure. When this is done the package may be made pilfer-proof by printing or otherwise marking any sort of indicia so that the printing or other marking covers part of the tape and part of the adjacent box panel.

When the handle construction shown in Fig. 6 is used as a top closure, the tape I30 may have the particular portion that overlies the handle defined by an outlining or a perforated line I32. This provides easy access to the handle strap by cutting through the tape, or tearing along the perforation without disturbing any other portion of the closure. This is important where the shipping container is to be used as a retail package, since it permits the dealer to hand the customer an .obviously tamper-proof package which has never been opened, but which, nevertheless, is equipped with a convenient handle.

In connection with following description of Figs. 22 through 26, inclusive, it is to be noted that the same principles are applicable to all of the boxes disclosed in my copending application Serial No. 532,817, filed of even date herewith.

I In Fig. 22, I show a blank 200 having a corner flap 20I adjacent an end wall panel 202 and defined therefrom by a score line 20I. A front wall panel 204 is adjacent the end wall panel 202 and is defined therefrom by a score line 202'.- A second end wall panel 206 is adjacent the front wall panel 204 and is defined therefrom by a score line 204'. A rear wall panel 208 is adjacent the blank 200.

end wall panel 205 and is defined therefrom by a score line 206'.

As illustrated in Fig. 25, the blank 200 is formed into a rectangular box body in an entirely conventional manner, with the corner flap 20| underlying the rear wall panel 208.

In Fig. 23, I show a blank 300 having an end wall panel 30| with a top closure flap 305 defined by a score line 305' and a bottom-closure fiap 306 defined by a score: line 306'. A front wall panel 302 adjoins the end wall of panel SM and is defined therefrom by a score line 30|'. A second end wall panel 303 adjoins the front wall panel 302 and is defined therefrom by a score line 302. The end wall panel 303 has a top closure panel 30'! defined by a score line 301' and a bottom closure 308 defined by a score line 303'.

The blank 300, as shown in Fig. 25, is combined with the box body formed from the blank 200 by securing end wall panel 30| of blank 300 to end wall panel 208 of blank 200. End wall panel 303 of blank 300 is secured to end wall panel 202. of

overlies and is spaced from front wall panel 204 of blank 200 by an amount sufiicient to accommodate one thickness of the board from which the several blanks are made.

In Fig. 24, I show a blank 400 having a central rear wall panel 404. A top closure panel 402 adjoins one side of rear wall panel 404 and is defined therefrom by a score line 402. A top closur flap 40| adjoins the other side of top closure panel 402 and is defined therefrom by a score line 40|'. A bottom closure panel 406 adjoins the opposite side of the central panel 404 and is defined therefrom by a score line 404'. A bottom closure fiap 408 adjoins the opposite side of the bottom closure panel 406 and is defined therefrom by a score line 406'.

As shown in Fig. 25, the blank 400 is combined with the box body formed from the combination of blanks 200 and 300 by securing central panel 404 to the rear panel 208 of the blank 200. The result is a box body having all its vertical walls of double thickness. The box is closed by folding inwardly the closure flaps 305, 306, 301 and 308, then bringing the top and bottom closure panels 402 and 406 over the top and bottom of the box body and tucking the closure flaps 3M and 408 into the space between th front walls 204 and 302.

In Fig. 22, I show two pairs of perforations 2|0 adjacent the top edge of front wall panel 204 and similar pairs of perforations 2 adjacent the bottom edge of that panel.

In Fig. 23, I show two pairs of perforations 3|0 adjacent the top side of front wall panel 302 and similar pairs 3| adjacent the bottom side. I also show in Figs. 23 and 25 two strip areas, 3|2 and 3|3, to which a self-sealing adhesive is applied, these areas comprehending the upper and lower portions of front wall 302, in which perforations 3|0 and 3 are located. When the fasteners 500 and SM of Fig. 25 are inserted and a strip of self-adhesive tape (Fig. 21) is then applied a sealed and pili'er-proof package is thereby obtained as hereinbefore explained.

In Fig. 24, I show in the top closure flap 40| two pairs of perforations H and, in the bottom closure flap 408, two pairs of perforations 4|2.-- The perforations H0 in flap 40| are spaced from the score line 40|' a distance approximately equal to the spacing of the perforations 2|0, in panel 204, and 3|0, in panel 302, from the top edges of panels 204 and 302. The perforations H2 in Front wall panel 302 of blank 300 bottom closure flap 400 are spaced from score line 400' by an amount approximately equal to the spacing of perforations 2| in panel 204, and 3| I, in panel 302, from the bottom edge of panels 204 and 302. Th purpose of this spacing is to assure that, when the closure flaps 40| and 408 i are tucked between panels-204 and 320, there'will be a registration of perforations 2|0, 3|0 and M0, at the top, and perforations 2| I, 3 and M2, at the bottom. When this is accomplished, my improved fasteners, such, for example, as those shown in Figs. 1, 3, and 5, may be applied as hereinbefore described. This application takes place entirely from the exterior of the box and permits the box to be opened and either re-closed or collapsed. Such fasteners are illustrated at 500 and SM, in Fig. 25. The fasteners, thus applied, may be secured in place by applying a strip of adhesive tape (whether or not of the "selfsealing type) over them. Obviously flap 40| may be similarly secured in place between walls 302 and 408, and the box rendered pilferproof by marking indicia on the tape and wall 302 as heretofore explained.

In Fig. 26 I show a section taken through the front walls 204 and 302 and the top closure flap 40| of Fig. 25. This view shows a perforation 3|0 in the wall 302. a perforation 2|0 in the wall 204 and a perforation H0 in the flap 40!. In the position shown perforations 3|0, M0 and MD are all in registry. The eyelet 3|0 passes through the perforation 3|0 and is riveted over upon each face of the wall 302. An eyelet 4|0' similarly passes through the perforation 4|0 and is riveted upon each face of the flap 4|0. An eyelet 2|0' passes through the perforation 2|0 and is riveted upon the inner surface of the board 204. At the outer surface of the board 204 the eyelet 2 l0 has an integral extension 2|2 which acts as a shield precisely in the manner of the body portion GM of Fig. 13. A fastener (00 which may be of the form of either Figs. 1 or 5 penetrates the several perforations and has a leg 'l0l extending in the plane of the board 204 and bearing against the shielding member 2|2.

It is to be noted that for the eyelet and shield 2|0'2| 2, there could be substituted any of the members shown in Figs. 8, 13, 15 or 16. At the same time, the protective eyelets shown in Fig. 26 could be used to protect the outer bdards in any of the other forms, and such combinations are to be understood as being wholly within my inventive concept. In particular, the extension 2|2 need not be integral with the eyelet 2|0', and whether integral or not, the outer end of the member 2|2 may, if desired, be supplied with prongs such as 603 of Fig. 13.

Fasteners of the type heretofore described, when used with solid fiber cartons, produce a phenomenally strong closure, and the nature of the solid fiber is such that removal and replacement of such fasteners result in very little damage to the adjacent board. In fact, where shielding and/or guiding members are affixed to solid fiber, the fasteners maybe removed and replaced without damage to the board many more times than is required by the life of the carton as a whole. When, however, the carton is formed of corrugated board, there is a greater likelihood of damaged board incident to the insertion and removal of the fastener, since, in the ordinary carton there will only be .016 inch of solid liner board against which the fastener may bear. In order to assure re usability, I have devised a solid with corrugated cartons to protect the corrugated board from damage incident to the insertion and 1 removal of the fastener and'to contribute a tremendous element of strength to the closure.

In Fig. 27, I show a carton 650 having top closure flaps 65l and 652 extending respectively from vertical walls 651' and 652'. A closure flap On a per trip basis, therefore, the cost of these adapters is negligible.

653 underlies flaps 65! and 652 and extends from 0 vertical wall 653'. The walls and flaps Just mentioned are shaded in a man'nerto indicate a solid construction. This has been done for the purpose of simplicity of illustration. Inpractice,

these walls and-flaps would be formed of corruand' underlies the flap 653.

4 12 is usually flattened at the point 106- where the strips are secured to the board I04. As shown, the channels have their concave faces against the surface of the board 104-.

The board 104 is dimensioned to conform to the interior of the carton 100 and underlies the flap 103 (Fig. 32). Perforations 100 are formed in the flaps I0l, I02, and I00 and register with perforations 101 in the board 104. A fastener I09 of the type shown in Fig. 1 is insertedthrough the perforations and its leg H0 is guided by and lies within the channels of the strips 105. If desired, a handle member may be used to connect two fasteners 109 in the manner illustrated'ih.

gated board with the flukes of the corrugations extending vertically in the vertical walls. A sheet 654 of solid fiber board is cut to conform rather accurately to the interior of the carton 650 As shown in Fig. 28, solid fiber adapter 654 has secured thereto a pairof flat metal strips 655. t The strips 655 are secured to the board 654 in any suitable manner, as by means of rivets 656.

At suitable, predetermined points, perforations 651 are formed in the board 654 but do not penetrate the strips 655.

In Fig. 27, the board 654 has been inserted with the strip 655 uppermost. The flaps 65I, 652 and 650 have perforations 658, which overlie the strips 655 of the board 654. As illustrated, a

fastener 659, which is preferably of the type shown'in Fig. 1, is inserted so that its work-penetrating members 660 penetrate the erforations the strips 651 which aid materially in guiding the legs 66l into place and, at the same time,

prevent the ends of such legs from engaging'the contents of the carton.

1 toward the interior of the carton 650 to provide clearance for the legs 66! of the fastener 659. The strip 655 guides the fastener legs into position and prevents their ends from engaging the Fig. 6. --When this is done, and the carton is handled thereby, a considerable strain is imposed on the leg H0 and this strain is resisted, by the adapter board 104, without damage to the corrugated board forming the carton. v 1 While I have disclosed certain specific embodiments of my inventive concept, I do not intend to limit it to the precise disclosures herein, but only as set forth in the'subjoined claims which are to be broadly construed.

What I claim is:

1. A method of closing boxes comprising: providing a box in which the closure involves the superimposition of a plurality of plies of board; forming perforations in the plies to be superimposed; locating the perforations in each ply so that when said plies are superimposed said perforations will be in mutual registry; closing said 650 and its legs 66l extend along the surface of contents. When thu's installed, the board or 1 adapter 654 receives any-thrust imposed by the legs 66! of the fastener 659. A handle member 662 may be used to join the fastener 659 in the when the package is lifted by such a handle the load imposed on legs 66l is substantial.

In Fig. 30, I show a carton 600 having top closure flaps 1M and 102, respectively, folded in manner described with reference to Fig. 6, and 1 from vertical walls IN and 102', with a lower closure flap 103 folded in from a vertical wall 103'. The carton I00 is formed of corrugated material, as is carton 650 of Fig. 27, and an .adapter 104 formed of solid fiber board underlies the flap I03.

As seen in Fig. 31, the adapter board 104 has mined points, which perforations communicate with, but do not penetrate the strips I05. These metal strips have a channeled cross section which secured thereto a pair of metal strips I05. These .forming perforations in the plies to be superimposed; locating the perforations in each ply so that when said plies are superimposed said perforations will be in mutual registry; closing said box by superimposing said plies; and thereafter inserting through said registering perforations fully preformed, integral fastening devices having a portion lying on each opposed free surface of said superimposed boards, said portions clamping said boards together, said methodincluding the step of indenting at least one free surface of said boards, incident to the formation of said perforations, with the pattern of the fastener portion to lie in contact therewith.

3. A method of closing boxes comprising: providing a blank suitable for the formation of a conventional slotted carton; forming, in the closure flaps of said blank, a plurality of perforations; locating said perforations so that those in one pair of opposed flaps will register with those of another pair when the second pair is superimposed on the first pair in closing position; erecting said blank into a box'and folding said flaps into such closing positions; inserting a fully preformed, integral fastening device through such registering perforations, bya sliding motion lateral to the axes of said perforations, said fastening device having portions lying on each of the opposed free surfaces of said superimposed flaps and clamping said flaps therebetween.

4. A method of closing boxes comprising: providing a blank suitable for the formation of a 13 conventional slotted carton; forming, in the closure flaps of said blank, a plurality of perforations; locating said perforations so that those in one pair of opposed flaps will register with those a of another pair when the second pair is superimposed on the first pair in closing position; erecting said blank into a box and folding said flaps into such closing positions; inserting a fully preformed, integral fastening device through such registering perforations, said fastening device having portions lying on each of the opposed free surfaces of said superimposed flaps and clamp-' ing said flaps therebetween, said method including the step of indenting at least one free surface of said flaps, incident to the formation of said perforations, with the pattern of the fastener portion to lie in contact therewith.

5. A method of closing boxes comprising: providin a box in which the closure involves the sliding of a closure flap between spaced plies of a. box wall, forming perforations in the spaced plies, forming additional perforations in the 010- sure flap, locating the perforations in eachply and in the flap so that when the flap is slid to final position between the plies, said perforations will be in mutual registry, closing the box by sliding said flap between said plies and thereafter inserting through said registered perforations, by

a sliding movement lateral to the aXes of said perforations, fully preformed integral fastening devices each having a portion adapted to lie on each opposed free face of the plies making up said wall, said portions clamping together said plies and said flap.

6. A fully preformed fastener for clamping together superimposed perforated sheets of substantially rigid carton material, comprising a pair of substantially parallel legs, a work-penetrating member at one end of each of said legs, said members being substantially parallel and extending in the same direction from and at right angles to said legs, a body portion joining said members, part, at least, of said body portion extending in the general direction of said legs and spac'd therefrom, said part having formed therein a loop for engagement with a strap or other handle member, the plane of said loop being inclined towards the plane of said parallel legs whereby to exert a resilient clamping action, upon material secured therebetween, in a region spaced from both of said work-penetrating members.

7. In combination, a pair of fully preformed fasteners, each of said fasteners having a pair of substantially parallel legs, a work-penetrating member at one end of each of said legs, said members being substantially parallel and extending in the same direction from and at right angles to said legs, a body portion joining said members,

part, at least, of said body portion extending in the general direction of said legs and spaced therefrom, said part having formed therein a loop, the plane of said loop being inclined towards the plane of said parallel legs whereby to exert a resilient clamping action, upon material secured therebetween, in a region spaced from both of said work-penetrating members; and a handle member connecting said loops of said pair of fasteners.

8. A carton 'comprising'a, plurality of connected panels of material, certain of said panels being hingedly secured to others of said panels to form an overlapping closure for said carton, perforations in registering relationship in overlapping panels, and a fastener element comprising a body portion and a leg portion inserted through said registering perforations, the body portion of said fastener element comprising a flat-sided loop having substantial extension in a plane spaced from, and slightly inclined to, its leg portion, said body portion lying outside the panels forming said carton.

9. A carton comprising a plurality of connected panels of material, certain of said panels being hingedly secured to others of said-panels to form an overlappin closure for said carton, pairs of spaced perforations in'registering relationship in overlapping panels, a fastener element comprising a body portion and parallel spaced-apart legs inserted through the registering perforations of each pair, the body portion of each such fastener comprising a flat-sided loop having substantial extension in a plane spaced from, and

slightly inclined to, the plane defined by its spaced-apart legs, the body portion lying outside elements by engagement with the flat sides the panels forming said carton, and a handle connecting the body portions of said fastener of their respective loops.

ROY C. PO'I'I'S.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 395,162 McGill Dec. 25, 1888 778,711 Rundle et al Dec. 2'7, 1904 851,595 Howell Apr. 23, 1907 931,655 I Sabor Aug. 17, 1909 933,454 Hudson Sept. 7, 1909 1,147,276 Southard July 20, 1915 1,348,844 Borders et al Aug. 10, 1920 1,354,253 House Sept, 28, 1920 1,604,801 Boden et a1 Oct. 26, 1926 1,647,962 Fenton Nov. 1, 1927 1,916,008 Maynard June 27, 1933 1,958,587 Mitchell et a1 May 15, 1934 1,999,461 Kells Apr. 90, 1935 2,124,409v Andrews July 19, 1938 2,132,115 Jonitz Oct. 4, 1938 2,132,246 Shapiro Oct. .4, 1938 2,144,979 James Jan. 24, 1939 2,206,314 Werner July 2, 1940 2,232,676 Arpen Feb. 25, 1941 2,283,814 La Place May-19, 1942 2,330,093 Van Cleaf & Sept. 21, 1943 2,344,009 Trogman Mar. 14, 1944 2,346,591 La Place Apr. 11, 1944 2,348,551 La Place May 9, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 584,927 Germany Sept. 26, 1933 Certificate of Correction Patent No. 2,463,306. r I March 1, 1949. ROY o. POTTS p It is hereby certified that errors appear in the printed specification of the above I numbered patent requiring correction as follows:

Column 14, line 30, claim 9, after the Word and period loops. and before the signature of the inventor, insert the following claims- 5 10. In combination, a container comprising substantially rigid board-like material in at least one of its walls, two pairs of perforations in said wall, and a fastener handle element in accordance with claim 7, the legs of said fastener handle element being inserted through respective perforations in said wall.

11. In combination, a container comprising substantially rigid board-like material in at least one of its walls, two pairs of perforations in said wall, a fastener handle element in accordance with claim 7 having its legs inserted through respective perforations in said wall, and a trough-like metallic guiding and protecting element secured to the inner side of said wall in the region of each perforation and receiving in its trough one of the legs of said fastener handle element, said guiding and protecting element having means at its ends for permanently attaching it to said wall and comprising essentially two integrally connected parts consisting of a lower portion concave throughout its length to form a trough receiving and guiding lengthwise thereof one of the legs of said fastener handle element, and an upper portion overlying said trough and lying flat upon the inner surface of said wall, one end of said upper portion being formed to pass outwardly through said perforation and secured therein.

in the heading to the printed specification, line 6, for 9 Claims read 11 Claims;

and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Ofiice.

Signed and sealed this 23rd day of August, A. D. 1949.

THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant Commissioner of Patents. 

